It's always a proud moment when we launch a new module of our free Service Dealer digital Toolkits, for you, our valued dealer readers - but today's release feels even more special than usual.
Many of you will remember Nick Elston who ran such engaging and valuable workshops at our Conference last December on the subject of mental health. We've had plenty of conversations with those of you who were lucky enough to be in those breakout rooms at Stratford-Upon-Avon, where you've told us that Nick's seminars were the most enjoyable - and indeed most valuable - of the whole day.
Back then he titled his presentation ‘Every storm runs out of rain’, reminding us that work and personal challenges can be used as catalysts for change to forge something better from a situation. Well, he has taken that theme on for us in our latest Toolkit offering, exclusively recording a series of short, inspirational videos for our Service Dealer readers, this time entitled Forging Ahead.
If you've accessed any of our free Toolkits before, your previous log-in will get you in once again. If you haven't checked out our other offerings, don't worry, you can register quickly today to enjoy Nick's series - plus all our existing modules (including subjects such as A.I, cyber crime, protecting revenue and more).
The videos that Nick has produced for us are short, accessible and designed specifically for people working in our sector. They are practical, straight-talking, and, importantly, easy to dip in and out of when time is tight. Like all our Toolkits and each and every session at our Conference, they are about giving dealers and their teams tools they can actually use.
The series begins with an introduction that sets the tone for what follows - a realistic, honest look at how we navigate pressure, both in business and personally. From there, Nick tackles a number of themes that will resonate with many in our sector.
One of the early messages is a particularly important one: sometimes, even when we are doing our best to support others, whether working with a colleague, leading a team, or helping someone through a personal crisis, outcomes are not fully within our control. In a sector where problem-solving is second nature, that can be a difficult idea to accept, but it is a crucial one.
The videos also address a common misunderstanding around the language we use. The distinction between mental health and mental illness is explored clearly, helping to remove some of the stigma and confusion that still exists, particularly in more traditional, male-dominated environments like our own.
Elsewhere, for those moments when anxiety takes hold, Nick raises the concept of “fact-checking your fear” as a practical takeaway. It is a simple idea, but one that I suspect many will find immediately useful - challenging the assumptions and stories we tell ourselves before they spiral. Nick uses the acronym 'FEAR', meaning “false evidence appearing real”. He explains how we are hardwired to search for danger and how this can reinforce negative thinking patterns. He tells us we should challenge assumptions, ask better questions and lean into curiosity, particularly around topics we do not understand.
Crucially, alongside Nick's advice contained within each of the ten videos, there's also 'three key learning points' stated in the descriptions to reinforce the message he wants us to be taking away. These are clear, concise and memorable - a great way of summarising each lesson.
The series concludes with a video on the concept of marginal gains. Nick encourages us to break big, overwhelming challenges into the smallest possible steps forward. I feel this is a genuinely helpful way to round off what can clearly be a huge, unwieldily topic. If we can find methods to edge ourselves forward, that's a win - and way more healthy than a boom and bust pattern.
Ultimately, the aim of this Toolkit is to support you, your colleagues, and your teams. Because while the industry continues to evolve - with new technologies, new challenges, and new opportunities - one thing remains constant and that's the people at the heart of it.
Taking care of them, and of ourselves, is not a luxury. It is essential.
Check out the Toolkit.
